Vacation, work, etc.

After much badgering I'm back!! It's been crazy in Vallierville. We went on vacation last week with Yia Yia (John couldn't make it, no vacation time). We had a great time. Yia Yia made lots of plans for fun things to occupy the kids! We went to North Conway, NH. Storyland, hiking, a lot of eating (you'll be happy to know I somehow LOST two pounds), swimming and shopping. Really a great time.


The kids rode horses. As you see, REAL horses. They were lead by the two handlers but they LOVED it! We hiked a few small trails, Diana's bath, Glen Ellis Falls, small part of Tuckerman's. All really nice hikes with little noodleheads.

The lake you see in the distance in one of the pictures (taken from the top of Cathedral ledge) is Echo Lake State Park. We went swimming there about 10 minutes after the photo was taken. It was great - a private little beach with fish in the lake and everything. Again, really good place if you have kids in North Conway. Yia Yia finds all the good stuff!

Papa John came to Storyland (as you'll see in the photos) which was a treat. We were able to stay an extra night (Wed.) after Yia Yia had left and visit Dad (Grandpa) and Karen in NH. That was also fun although a little cold for swimming BUT Lexi had to go in the water regardless.













So we were back on Thursday night. Once all the unpacking was done it was basically dinner, bath, bed. Friday morning wasn't too nice out so I thought we'd spend the day in the house. The phone rang about 8:30am.
"Hi, this is Mark Costa from DSS."
Me - "?????"
"There has been a report of abuse at Cherub's daycare center and your daughter Alexis was cited as one of the three children."
Ok, now freaking out of course. Asked questions etc. Basically Lexi had a teacher (whom I never liked) who would take her lunch if she didn't finish fast enough and throw it away then yell at her and "forcibly" put her in the corner.
She used the corner often and would grab or pull Lexi.
Excuse me but what the #$%&?
She would make her take a nap if she really was acting up. I am not getting a clear understanding of what happened and how often but John immediately went to the center and spoke to the Director. Turns out SHE was the one who reported it. There were allegations from teachers and the teacher was fired (about a month ago).
The Director, Amy, said they fired her immediately after hearing about it but it was going on a for a little while and the other teachers didn't say anything because they weren't sure what to do. It sounds like the woman was just a bitch and couldn't really handle the kids. Lexi doesn't seem to remember it (after asking her) but she has always HATED the corner more than Brooke ever did. We have stopped with the corner for awhile.
Also, we had her pretty much potty trained and it wasn't working at school. Now we know why. So that's my big fun Friday.
The whole situation has solidified my decision to take August off which some people were making me question. I want to focus on the kids and the potty training for one month. We had a great week last week but some time just going to the beach will be good and hopefully change some of the bad behavior Lexi exhibits occassionally.

In other fun news - my reunion is coming up and we only have about half the people confirmed that I thought we would. A lot of people "say" they are coming but haven't sent their money in yet. Cecilia is coming though so I don't really care if anyone else comes. Oh, and I have a great pair of shoes to wear (so there John Z.!).

Additionally, anyone seen the Herald's salary info for state employees? That's been big fun. Everyone at work knows what each other is making and is pissed about it. I sit between people making 175,000 a year and 25,000 a year. No problem there. Should be interesting to see how that plays out. Now that everyone can see what I make let me remind you that is for 30 hours so it's not so bad PLUS I'm taking August off and I work at home on Mondays! Still should be getting more money...... see what I mean!!! I hate the Herald!

In John's world he is kicking butt and taking names at his job(s). He made a HUGE Home Depot sale which is getting us a trip to California for sure and possibly Mexico. He also has some orders in the works for Bio-Cascade which will be coming through this summer. Good job Johnny!

Overall everyone is healthy and happy (if not a little crazed) so what else can you ask for?

A couple post scripts:
I'm reading "Einstein: His life and universe", v. good book though heavy material check it out if you are so inclined.
HOW MUCH DID THE SOPRANO'S FINALE STINK?? A LOT. THAT'S THE ANSWER.